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HOW FILTERS WORK

PL

Polarizing filters are generally used in landscape photography, as they can both control polarized light – commonly known as "light reflection" and contrast. There are two types of polarizing filters: PL (Polarized Light) and C-PL (Circular Polarized Light), but C-PL filters are generally the most used.

HOW FILTERS WORK

ND

The main feature of ND filters is their ability to give you control on the shutter speed. ND filters come in wide range of values, from ND2 to ND100000, but can be generally summarized in 3 main categories: light, middle and heavy.

HOW FILTERS WORK

STAR

By star-shaping light sparkling from light sources like holiday illuminations or water surfaces, star filters can confer your photos a more scenic and impressive effect. In the same way as for C-PL filters, star filters come in a two-filters rotating structure that, by rotating the filter’s frame, allows adjusting the angle of the light rays hitting the filter’s surface.

HOW FILTERS WORK

SOFT

Soft filters are often used in portraits or flower photography, as they can blur light and "soften" the atmosphere.

HOW FILTERS WORK

CLOSE-UP

Also known as close-up lenses, close-up filters prove to be convenient filters to have at hand. By installing these filters on whatever lens you are using at the moment, you can easily but effectively shoot macro. Or, by installing them on your macro lens, you can further shorten the working distance and get closer to your shooting object, thus making it look bigger on the final image.

HOW FILTERS WORK

IR

Originally developed to perform and enjoy infrared photography with black-and-white and color infrared films during the film era of photography, IR filters can also be effectively and enjoyably used in infrared photography with nowadays DSLR cameras that no longer use films.

HOW FILTERS WORK

ASTRO

Originally developed to enhance red tints in color reversal film, red enhance filters have been largely used so far in landscape photography and portrait photography as well. In recent years red enhancer filters are also used to cut off unwanted light pollution.